Nowadays you cannot switch on the TV, pick up a newspaper or hear a conversation about how many people there are who are at risk of being overweight or actually are obese already. Everybody agrees there is a problem and now even health leaders are calling for an emergency task force to defeat obesity. Are you worried about your weight and that of your family? Have you tried to lose weight? What happened? Did you manage to lose it only to find it came straight back up again? Or maybe you simply failed to lose weight even though you tried. Or may be you haven't thought about it until now.

Being overweight means you are at risk of developing Diabetes, high Cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Heart disease, Stroke, Sleep apnoea, Fertility problems, Urinary Incontinence, Gall stones, certain cancers (Colon. Breast and Endometrial in particular), Gout, Fatty Liver and Impaired Glucose Tolerance (pre-diabetes). There is also an increased risk of developing back pain or back pain recurring which can last longer and be more severe as well as mood disorders such as depression too.

Whatever your reasons for coming to this webpage, we want you to spend a couple of minutes and look at the information we are providing to help you and your loved ones to lose weight. There are lots of things you can do now to help yourself.

Sugar swaps Swapping sugary snacks and drinks for ones that are lower in sugar can make a huge difference to your and your kids' calorie intake

Meal time It's important for you and your kids to have regular, proper meals as you respond better to routine

Snack check Many snacks are full of the things that are bad for us - sugar, salt, fat and calories. So try and keep a careful eye on how many you are having

Me Size Meals Even though kids are growing, it's important they get the right amount for their age - not too little and not too much. That applies to adults too!

5 a day It's easier that you think to have 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day

Cut back fat We all know that too much fat is bad for us. But it's not always easy to tell where it's lurking

60 Active Minutes Kids need to do at least 60 minutes of activity a day to help them stay happy and healthy. Here is advice for Over 50s too!

Eating Well on a Budget

If you have not done so then now is the time to get access to your GP electronic health record. You can read what your doctor, nurse or health care assistant has advised you about your weight. They will write in your notes what could help you and agree jointly a care plan to help support you. It's personalised too. Your doctor or nurse will be able to advise you whether you need any blood tests as well.

Consider contacting the Health Improvement Service by phoning 0161-366-2000 or email healthimprovement.penninecare@nhs.net for further advice. You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook too!

Are you worried about Anorexia and Bulimia?

Whilst there is a big focus on people who are overweight, we also recognise that there are some people who are very underweight (anorexia) or have a normal weight but have bouts of bulimia where they overeat until they vomit. If you think you suffer with an eating disorder then please contact the surgery and ask to speak to a doctor so that they may be able to advise you on what to do.